Apple iPad Pro Apple iPad Pro 10.5in - 256GB Wifi - 2017 Model - Review
The 2017 iPad Pro's 120Hz display feels better than tablets twice its price, but its aging battery and software hold it back. Is this renewed bargain worth the gamble?
The 30-Second Version
A stunning 120Hz screen for $220 makes this old iPad Pro a unique bargain. Just don't rely on its battery or expect to run the latest apps.
Overview
Let's be real: you're looking at a 2017 iPad Pro for $220. That's the whole story. This isn't a cutting-edge tablet, but for the price of a cheap Android slab, you get a shockingly capable machine with a screen that still puts most new tablets to shame. The 120Hz ProMotion display is the star here, making everything feel buttery smooth, and the A10X chip is still plenty fast for everyday tasks. Just know you're buying into a platform that's seven years old, with all the software and hardware limitations that come with it.
Performance
Honestly, the performance surprised us. The A10X Fusion chip lands in the 75th percentile for both CPU and GPU in our database, which means it's still faster than a lot of mid-range tablets sold today. Apps open quickly, and basic photo editing or note-taking with the Apple Pencil feels responsive. The real shocker is that screen. A 120Hz refresh rate on a tablet from 2017? It's a luxury feature that makes scrolling and drawing feel incredibly fluid, and it's something you won't find on modern iPads until you spend over $800.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strong feature (95th percentile) 95th
- Strong storage (72th percentile) 72th
- Strong gpu (71th percentile) 71th
- Strong cpu (71th percentile) 71th
Cons
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Processor
| CPU | 2.4 GHz |
Memory & Storage
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Storage | 256 GB |
Display
| Size | 10.5" |
| Resolution | 2224 |
Features
| Stylus Support | Yes |
Physical
| Weight | 0.5 kg / 1.0 lbs |
| OS | iPadOS 10 |
Value & Pricing
For $220? It's a steal if your needs are basic. You're getting a premium-feeling device with a killer screen for less than a budget Fire tablet. But 'value' here is entirely dependent on the condition of the specific unit you get, especially the battery.
Price History
vs Competition
Don't cross-shop this with a new iPad Air. Compare it to things in its price bracket. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 is cheaper but feels sluggish and has a terrible screen. The Lenovo Idea Tab Pro offers a bigger, modern screen and more RAM for a similar price, but its software support is a mess. This iPad Pro wins on pure polish and that silky-smooth display. However, if you need reliability and modern software, spending $100 more on a renewed 2020 iPad Air is a much smarter long-term buy.
| Spec | Apple iPad Pro Apple iPad Pro 10.5in - 256GB Wifi - 2017 Model - | Apple iPad Pro Apple 11" iPad Pro M5 Chip (Standard Glass, 512GB, | Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Samsung 12.4" Galaxy Tab S10+ 256GB Multi-Touch | Microsoft Surface Pro Microsoft - Surface Pro - Copilot+ PC - 13” OLED | Lenovo Yoga Tab Series Lenovo Yoga Tab Plus | Xiaomi Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2 Only WiFi (No Calls or Text) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPU | 2.4 GHz | Apple M5 | MediaTek 9300 | Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite X1E-84-100 | Qualcomm® Snapdragon® 8 Gen 3, QCM8650 | 2.2 GHz mediatek_helio |
| RAM (GB) | 4 | 12 | 12 | 32 | 16 | - |
| Storage (GB) | 256 | 512 | 256 | 1000 | 256 | 256 |
| Screen | 10.5" 2224x1668 | 11" 2420x1668 | 12.4" 2800x1752 | 13" 2880x1920 | 12.7" 2944x1840 | 11" 2560x1600 |
| OS | iPadOS 10 | iPadOS | Android 14 | Windows 11 Home | Android 14 | Android 15 |
| Stylus | true | true | true | false | false | false |
| Cellular | false | false | false | false | false | false |
Common Questions
Q: Does it support the latest iPadOS?
No. It's stuck on an old version. Many new apps from the last year or two won't be compatible, so check the apps you need before buying.
Q: Is the battery replaceable?
Not really. It's a sealed unit. If you get a dud battery, you're looking at a costly professional repair or just dealing with it.
Q: Which Apple Pencil does it use?
The first-generation Apple Pencil. It charges by plugging awkwardly into the Lightning port, not wirelessly like the newer ones.
Who Should Skip This
If you need a reliable daily driver for work or school, skip this. The battery and software are huge question marks. Go get a renewed 2020 iPad Air instead. If you're a mobile gamer or want the latest apps, this isn't it. Look at a modern Android tablet like the Galaxy Tab S9 FE.
Verdict
We recommend it, but with massive caveats. This is a fantastic 'beater' tablet for a student on a tight budget, a dedicated digital notebook, or as a kitchen YouTube machine. The screen and build are that good. But if you need this for anything mission-critical, like online classes or daily work, the gamble on battery life and aging internals isn't worth it. Buy it expecting a great secondary device, not your primary computer.